Among the countries of Latin America there moves a melting pot of completely charming races, customs and traditions. But the culture of Mexico deserves special attention. Its colorful art, its day of death and its mythology are absolutely fascinating. And in the cultural framework that defines the country of tacos and mariachis, love plays a transcendental role. Even, Mexican mythology has a specific character to address and bless the love arts. This is Xochiquétzal, the Aztec goddess of love. Today at we delve into the deepest traditions of the Central American giant, to learn about the history and symbolism of this sensual deity. Can you come with us? Well, let’s get started!
Who is Xochiquétzal in Mexican mythology?
Xochiquétzal shares the title of Mexica goddess of love with the God Xochipilli, to whom the gift of pleasure and beauty is also attributed.. In the case of the first deity, this beautiful female figure keeps some data that is interesting for those passionate about Mesoamerican cultures. The first thing we need to understand the role of the Aztec goddess of love as part of the Mexica culture is to understand the basis on which these beliefs of Mexican mythology are based.
The Mexica were true addicts to the pleasures of the flesh. In fact, they gave them to their children, human beings, as one of the most precious gifts, as the greatest enjoyment. Xochiquetzal, Feather Flower or Precious Flower, was the goddess of flowers, love and motherhood. Among her husbands, of whom we will tell you later, the first was Tláloc. But at that time she was kidnapped by Tezcatlipoca, the supreme god, going to live in the nine heavens.
The Aztec goddess of love is represented as a young and beautiful woman, in full power and sexual splendor. His deified figure evokes sensuality, eroticism, voluptuousness, love, sexual desire and pleasure in general. Among the legends of the history of Xochiquétzal, it is said that the rivers and fountains were born from his portentous hair. That from his eyes the wells and caverns were born, and from his mouth the great caves. It is also said that grass and flowers were born from his skin. Now, without further delay, join us to learn the best curious facts that raise her legend.
Curiosities of the Aztec goddess of love
1. The meaning of Xochiquétzal
Xochiquétzal is also known under the name of Xochiquetzalli, terms that translate in Spanish as “precious flower” or “beautiful flower”. It is for this reason that this Mexican goddess is also considered the deity of flowers.
2. Your areas of influence
Between the Toltec gods, Xochiquétzal is one of the most extensive. In fact, toIn addition to being a goddess of love and flowers, this figure is also the goddess of the arts and the fertility of nature.
3. His son, the corn god
Another of the most interesting curiosities about Xochiquétzal, the Aztec goddess of love, is that She is the mother of the corn god, Cintéotl, who is characterized as an intersexual deity, that is, with both feminine and masculine characteristics. She sired him with Piltzintecuhtli, god of weather, to whom she was married for a time.
4. Born from a hair
Another curious fact about the Aztec goddess of love in Mexican mythology is that, although her mother is unknown, there is a legend that announces the birth of Xochiquétzalwhich supposedly occurred through his mother’s hair.
5. The heart of the Aztec goddess of love
As we mentioned previously, this female figure of the Mexica was married, however, the curious thing is that she was married on several occasions, or at least that is what the legends of which Xochiquétzal is a part state. Her first husband was Tláloc, the Mesoamerican god of lightning. She then fell in love with Piltzintecuhtli, god of storms. And finally she was the lover of Tezcatlipoca, god of the earth and the sky.
6. The flower to worship
Tagetes flowers, also known as cempasúchil or flower of the dead, are a plant native to the curious Mexico, with which this goddess used to be venerated. The Aztecs also offered her daisies and bird feathers to grant her wishes.
7. The gifts of Xochiquétzal
Every time an Aztec woman wanted to look beautiful, it was common for her to worship Xochiquétzal, the Aztec goddess of love. However, love and beauty were not the only things she granted. It was also capable of granting talent for dancing or singing, sexual pleasure, successful marriages and even pregnancies.
8. Part of the Toltec gods
This deity is part of the toltec godsa civilization that also venerated it and he came to consider her a goddess of beauty. Another of the important gods of this civilization was the powerful God Tlalocgod of rain, earthquakes and natural disasters.
10. Goddess of prostitutes
The goddess we met today, the sensual Xochiquétzal, was the patron saint of domestic chores for the Mexica. And also, He was considered the protective figure of prostitutes, who were formerly called “aiuanime”.
10. Xochiquétzal, the mother Goddess
And we close this trip through the curiosities of the Aztec goddess of love in Mexican mythology, telling you that In Nahuatl culture, Xochiquétzal represents the mother goddess, playing an important role when talking about fertility.
Xochiquétzal was part of the beliefs of the Mesoamerican peoples where polytheism was present And, for this reason, at we have dedicated numerous articles to inform you about everything you need to know about the gods of the Mexica, Toltecs, Mayans and other civilizations that were part of this area of the world centuries ago. If you found the information offered in the previous lines useful, be sure to share your opinion with us in the comments section. There you can let us know what Xochiquetzalli’s curiosity was that most impacted you, such as his curious birth or his multiple marriages. You will surely have been surprised by some of the curiosities shared!
Other gods of Mexican mythology
Before you leave, if you want to continue expanding your knowledge of everything related to the cultures of Mesoamerica, We invite you to learn about other Aztec deities that are part of the Mexica culture and whose relevance remains to this day. In you can discover deities such as:
Enjoy the readings and continue investigating the ancient beliefs that the Mesoamericans had thanks to their polytheistic religions!
And if what seduces you is the great Mexico and all the nuances of its culture, then we leave you with this great selection of curiosities of Mexico. From its history, artistic manifestations and even landscapes, it is a nation that everyone who takes the opportunity to get to know falls in love with. We are looking forward to a super curious next article!